Who is Christopher Vivell? Manchester United working to appoint transfer ace who 'discovered' Erling Haaland

Manchester United are reportedly working on a deal to appoint Christopher Vivell as their director of recruitment.

It is understood Vivell would join on an initial short-term basis to help with the summer transfer window, with the possibility of securing a long-term role at the club. The 37-year-old would bring plenty of transfer expertise and would be tasked with helping United target the right profile of player and also help with actually signing them as well.

Vivell's experience of multi-club models as part of the Red Bull group is understood to be another factor in United's pursuit, with the Ineos Group looking to explore such a set-up themselves at Old Trafford. Here is everything you need to know about him:

Name: Christopher Vivell

Date of Birth: Dec 15 1986 (37)

Nationality: German

Coaching Licence: C Licence

Previous clubs: Hoffenheim, RB Salzburg, RB Leipzig, Chelsea

Vivell is a former striker who played in the lower levels of German football during a 10-year professional career. In his teenage years he played for Post Südstadt Karlsruhe, FC Germania Forst, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim before moving to home town club Karlsruher SC, where he made his senior breakthrough.

He went on to have spells with ASV Durlach, SV Spielberg, FV Graben and Ettlingenw. II. After his contract with Ettlingenw. II came to an end in 2015, he retired from playing at the age of just 28.

After his playing career came to an end, Vivell rejoined former club Hoffenheim as an analyst and then as a scout. After five years in those roles he joined RB Salzburg as head of scouting and then moved into the role or sports coordinator. During his time at Salzburg, Vivell was labelled ‘the Haaland discoverer' by German outlet Sport1 after he convinced the Norwegian starlet to join them over many high-profile clubs.

He then joined RB Leipzig as technical director before becoming their squad planner. Vivell joined Chelsea as technical director in December 2022 before leaving Stamford Bridge in July 2023 amid their own sporting restructure under directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.

While it is always tricky to pinpoint the players who Vivell has directly signed during his career, the likes of Patson Daka, Enock Mwepu, Mohamed Camara, Benjamin Sesko and Haaland were all signed by RB Salzburg during Vivell’s time at the club. When he was at RB Leipzig they signed Josko Gvardiol, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Simakan. Enzo Fernandez and Benoit Badiashile both signed for Chelsea during his short spell at Stamford Bridge.